weekend brunch
family gathering
cocktail party
dinner with friends
Tending the BarGuests consume from 8 to 12 bites of hors d'oeuvres for every 60 to 90 minutes of a cocktail party - double that if the party spans a normal mealtime.
Mixed drinks. Most guests consume two or three mixed drinks in the first 90 minutes. The standard mixed drink contains 1 1/2 ounces liquor to 4 ounces of mixer.
If serving only wine, allow about a half bottle of wine per person for a one-hour party. If serving both red and white wine, plan to serve more white than red wine.
For a Champagne reception, allow one bottle for every two to three people. For a toast only, one bottle of Champagne will serve 5 people.
Stocking the bar. The following will serve 25 to 30 people for a two- to three-hour party: 2 liters scotch, 1 liter each bourbon, blended whiskey, gin and rum, 2 liters vodka, 6 to 8 bottles white wine, 24 bottles beer, 1 fifth each Campari, Dubonnet and tequila.
Try using caperberries instead of olives, or stuffing large olives with hazelnuts for martinis.
Party Tidbits
Instead of paper dollies on food trays, try lemon leaves, giving your party a fresh look. Provide large, good quality napkins and place bundles of them in five or six places.
Central Market Tarragon Chicken Salad, Shrimp Salad and Apricot Almond Chicken Salad on veggie bases make an easy canapé variation.
Botanical Ice Bowls. For a server for seafood or other chilled dishes, select 2 glass bowls with a diameter difference of 1 to 2 inches. Place a few flowers or herbs on the bottom of the larger bowl. Place the smaller bowl inside the large one. Center it and slowly pour water between the two bowls. Add more flowers or herbs, using a bamboo skewer to push them down and into place. Secure the smaller bowl in the center of the large one using a strip of masking tape across the edges of both bowls. Freeze for 5 hours or longer. Unmold onto foil-lined deep tray lined with leaves, flowers, etc.
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